May 25, 2017
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PIKE COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Louisiana teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:30am Thursday in Pike County. 18 year old Joseph Sloan was on Highway 79 when his car traveled off the left side of the roadway and struck a tree. He was transported by Survival Flight to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
CLOSING ARGUMENTS THURSDAY IN TROOPER’S DEATH
Closing arguments are scheduled Thursday in the murder trial of a Mexico man, who is charged in the 2015 death of Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper James Bava. Serghei Comerzan is charged with second-degree murder in the case. He is accused of fleeing from the trooper, on Route FF in Audrain County, leading him on a high-speed chase, which resulted in a traffic crash that killed Bava. Jury deliberations will begin after the closing arguments, later today. The case is being heard in St. Charles County.
HUNG JURY IN COLUMBIA DOUBLE SHOOTING
A jury was unable to reach a verdict Wednesday, in connection with a 2015 Columbia double-shooting. Mylonyo Cunningham was charged with two counts of first-degree assault and armed criminal action, in the August 2015 shooting on Peachtree Drive that sent two victims to the hospital. After three and a half hours of deliberation, the jury said it remained split on the verdict. Prosecutors are expected to ask for a new trial.
COLUMBIA MAN SENTENCED FOR DRUG CONSPIRACY
A Columbia man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute meth. 55 year old Douglas Marion Pryor was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Kansas City. Earlier this year, Pryor pleaded guilty to taking part in a conspiracy to distribute meth in Boone, Cooper and Lafayette Counties from August of 2015 thru January of 2016. He also admitted to distributing 40 to 50 pounds of meth since 2012. One co-defendant in the case, from Independence, has all ready been sentenced to ten years in prison. Two other co-defendants, 53 year old Alan Kennedy, of Boonville and 35 year old Matthew Allen Hampton, of Franklin, are still awaiting sentencing.
May 24, 2017
MAN INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY WRECK
A man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Gasconade County. 52 year old Harry Riley was driving a freightliner on Highway 19 when it traveled off the right side of the road and overturned. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
WOMEN HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
Two women were hurt in an accident that occurred at 3:40pm Tuesday in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 71 year old Karen Banish of Florissant was attempting to cross the northbound lanes of US 61 from Route P and ran into the path of a vehicle being driven by 58 year old Katherine Hintze of Troy and the two collided, resulting in both vehicles traveling off the roadway and into the median. Karen Banish sustained moderate injuries while Katherine Hintze suffered minor injuries. Both were taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
COLUMBIA
SHOOTING VICTIM DIES – INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
Columbia Police have identified the victim of a shooting incident, which occurred Monday at a residence on Dawn Ridge Road. 28 year old Cameron Scott Carruthers, of Columbia, was taken to University Hospital after suffering a gunshot wound. He later died at the hospital. A second man at the scene was released after being detained for questioning. Police were initially called to the home for a report of a home invasion. Police say the shooting stemmed from a disturbance between two people who knew each other. Their investigation continues.
COLUMBIA WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO NOVEMBER MURDER
A Columbia woman has pleaded guilty, in connection with the shooting death of a man at the Welcome Inn in Columbia, which occurred last November. 34 year old Jaclyn A. Rose, of Columbia, pleaded guilty to charges of murder and armed criminal action. Police were called to the Welcome Inn on November 16 and found Gregory J. Moore dead in his hotel room. A video showed Rose and Moore entering the room and Rose was seen leaving a short time later. She was later arrested in Fulton after she was found in possession of Moore’s cell phone.
May 23, 2017
TROY MAN INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Troy man was injured in an accident that occurred at 7:20am Monday in Lincoln County. 24 year old Hank Cobb was on Route U when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, he overcorrected, crossed the center line, went off the left side of the road, struck a pipe and two trees. He was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
DRIVER HURT IN MONDAY MORNING CRASH
A driver from Lake Sherwood, MO was hurt in a Monday morning crash in Warren County. 80 year old George Siebert was on Missouri Route T when he failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the right side of the road, struck a highway sign, concrete wall and also a parked truck. He sustained moderate injuries and was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment.
SERIOUS INJURY IN COLUMBIA HOME INVASION
Columbia Police are investigating a Monday afternoon home invasion, which resulted in life-threatening injuries for one man. Officers responded to a report of a home invasion and a gun shot, on Dawn Ridge Road, just after noon Monday. They found two males inside the home and one of the two suffered a gunshot wound to the lower abdomen area. That individual was taken to a Columbia hospital with life-threatening injuries. The uninjured man was detained for questioning. Police have not indicated whether the man shot was the homeowner or a suspect. The investigation is ongoing.
MISSING BRANSON MAN INVOLVED IN COLUMBIA ACCIDENT
A Branson man, who was the subject of an endangered silver advisory, was involved in an accident in Columbia, early Tuesday morning. Police say Thomas Harpool suffered minor injuries in the accident, which occurred at around 1am at the intersection of Broadway and Providence Road. Details of the accident are under investigation. Authorities say Harpool’s family had issued a silver alert for him, after he was found to be missing from his home.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Friday, May 19 at approximately 9:53am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 2800 block of Fairground Road in reference to a burglary that occurred during the overnight hours. Responding personnel found that someone had entered the home, possibly through an attached garage, and taken some jewelry, a camera, and other items. Further investigation has indicated that some vehicles were gone through in the 2700 block of S. Clark Street as well, and the same person is likely responsible. The owners of the vehicles are still attempting to determine what they have missing. MPSD has already spoken with several people believed to have information about the crimes, and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this or any other crime is asked to contact CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 392-TIPS or (800) 392-8477 or Mexico Public Safety at (573) 473-5800 or (573) 581-2100.
On Sunday, May 21 at approximately 11:36am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 4800 block of S. Clark in reference to a report of a person in a business, displaying a large knife. Responding personnel found that there had been a disturbance between several men outside of the business, and during the disturbance one of the men displayed the weapon. The others then entered the business to report what had occurred. Officers spoke with everyone that could still be located on the scene. No one was willing to assist in prosecution for any offense and there were no injuries from the incident.
May 22, 2017
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN GASCONADE COUNTY ACCIDENT
An Owensville man was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 10:25pm Sunday in Gasconade County. 34 year old Daniel Hankins was on Old Highway 19 when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a fence and a tree, overturned, coming to rest on its top. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
DRIVER KILLED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Florissant driver was killed in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in St. Louis County. The patrol says that 51 year old Kevin Booker was northbound on I-170 when he suffered a medical condition, which caused his car to run off the right side of the road and down an embankment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
COLUMBIA
MAN HURT IN DOWNTOWN MUGGING
A Columbia man was injured overnight Saturday night, when he was mugged by three men in downtown Columbia. It occurred in an alley between 8th and 9th streets at around midnight Saturday. Police say the victim was hit from behind and the three suspects took his wallet and fled the scene. The suspects are described as being in their early 20’s. Police say one man had dreadlocks and was wearing a red shirt, another had a short afro and multicolored shirt and the third was wearing a gray hoodie. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
COLUMBIA POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOTS FIRED
Columbia Police are also investigating shots fired in the area of the 1200 block of Rangeline Street, early Sunday morning. Police were called at around 1am, after a large gathering was reported at ‘The Soul Spot’. They say the crowd apparently moved to the parking lot of Mid American Title Loans, where an argument began between the crowd and the business and shots were fired. Officers confirmed at least one car with damage in the area. No injuries were reported and no suspect information is available.
WELLSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL RECEIVES RECOGNITION FOR IT ONLY TAKES ONE CAMPAIGN
Earlier this month Wellsville High School was presented with a silver banner for having 95% seat belt usage during the It Only Takes One Campaign. Wellsville was one of three northeast Missouri schools to receive banner honors in the competition. It Only Takes One is a statewide campaign among high school students that stresses the importance of making good decisions while on the road. One drink, one text, one distraction could end it all. But one click of the seatbelt could save your life. It runs from September to March. The Missouri teen seat belt usage rate statewide is 70%.
Weekend Report- May 20-21, 2017
ROADS CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING
The following roads are closed due to flooding as of Saturday morning.
Montgomery County - MO 161 closed at Elkhorn near Buell
Route E by Cuivre River
Route J – closed all of J
Ralls County
MO 154 at Spencer Creek
Route B at Lick Creek
Pike County
MO 79 just north of Louisiana
Warren County
Route M at Springtown Road
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN SATURDAY NIGHT WRECK
A Linn man was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Saturday night in Osage County. 23 year old Ryan Rost was on MO 100 when his truck ran off the right side of the road and struck a tree. He was flown by helicopter to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
MOKANE DRIVER HURT IN CALLAWAY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Mokane driver was hurt in an accident that occurred at 6:15pm Friday in Callaway County. The patrol says that 30 year old Jeffery Vandelicht was driving his Ford Ranger on Highway 94 when it hydroplaned, traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a tree and overturned, coming to rest on its roof in a creek bed. He was taken to Capital Regional Hospital for treatment of moderate injuries.
May 19, 2017
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN THURSDAY AFTERNOON ACCIDENT
A teen from Union, MO was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 12:30pm Thursday in Franklin County. 16 year old Keri Long was on Route V when she failed to maintain the lane and the Ford Explorer she was driving traveled off the right side of the roadway, returned to the road, overturned, slid off the right side of the roadway and caught fire. She was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
ONE INJURED IN VANDALIA STABBING INCIDENT
One person was injured and another was taken into custody, after a Thursday morning stabbing incident in Vandalia. Authorities say it occurred at the Harbison Water Plant, during an altercation between two delivery truck drivers. The names of the suspect and victim were not immediately released. One was from Pennsylvania and the other from Texas. No charges have been filed in the case.
COLUMBIA MAN ARRESTED AFTER THREATENING OFFICER
A Columbia man is accused of threatening a law enforcement officer, after a confrontation at the Columbia Police Department on Monday. Officers say the suspect, John Benton, threatened the station master on duty, using profanity and making a death threat. He then allegedly resisted arrest while being taken into custody. Benton was pepper sprayed and then taken to University Hospital for medical and mental health evaluations.
May 18, 2017
SERIOUS INJURIES IN CALLAWAY COUNTY CRASH
A woman was seriously injured in a Wednesday morning accident on Callaway County Route Z. 48 year old Sandra P. Ozburn, of Williamsburg, was taken to University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 8:35am, just west of Auxvasse Creek. The patrol says she was ejected from her westbound car, when it ran off the roadway, struck a ditch and overturned.
COLUMBIA TEEN WANTED AFTER SHOTS FIRED
A Columbia teenager is wanted in connection with a Tuesday evening shots fired incident, along with two other warrants for a previous armed robbery. The Tuesday night incident occurred inside a home on Gregory Drive in Boone County. Officers have not released details, but witnesses say the suspect fired multiple shots in the home, but caused no injuries. Police are seeking 18 year old Deaunte Shaw as a suspect in the case. Shaw is also wanted on charges in connection with an October robbery with a gun.
MISSOURI STILL BELOW NATIONAL AVERAGE FOR SAFETY BELT USE
Though the safety belt usage rate in Missouri has slowly risen over the past 17 years, reaching 81 percent last year, the state is still well below the national average of 90 percent. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety is joining with state and local law enforcement May 22–June 4 in the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign to highlight the importance of wearing your safety belt. The coalition also wants to remind drivers to keep their phones down while behind the wheel to reduce the risk of a crash. It’s the driver’s duty to assure all passengers are buckled before driving, including having all children in the appropriate restraints. Missouri’s child safety seat survey revealed that when drivers were not buckled up, 33 percent of children were not restrained either, but when the driver was buckled up, 98 percent of children were also restrained. To ensure safety, make sure kids use a car seat that is appropriate for their height and weight. Infants should travel in rear-facing car seats until age 2 or until they grow out of the rear-facing car seat’s height and weight requirements. Children should travel riding in the back seat of the vehicle until age 13. For more information about Click It or Ticket, visit www.saveMOlives.com or social media at Save MO Lives.
May 17, 2017
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY WRECK
A man from Rosebud, MO was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck that occurred at 5:10pm Tuesday in Franklin County. 29 year old Nicholas Clark was on Route A when his car traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a mailbox and a utility pole. He was transported by ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Washington with serious injuries.
HERMANN DRIVER HURT IN TUESDAY NIGHT CRASH
A Hermann driver was hurt in a Tuesday night crash in Gasconade County. 74 year old Gene Cox was on US 50 when his truck ran off the right side of the road, struck a fence and a tree. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of moderate injuries.
THREE PLEAD GUILTY TO CHILD PORN CHARGES
Two Columbia men and a Jefferson City man pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in federal court this week. 23 year old Sergio Antonio Dominguez-Gonzalez, of Columbia pleaded guilty to producing child pornography. He was accused of making a video involving a 2 year old victim. 22 year old Brandon Lee Deavers, of Columbia and 35 year old Lucas Wayne Slusser, of Jefferson City, both pleaded guilty to receiving and distributing child porn, for allegedly posting illegal material on the internet.
HIGHWAY PATROL PROVIDING BOAT INSPECTIONS
On Saturday, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will kick off National Safe Boating Week, with a schedule of boat inspections, to make sure you’re in compliance with state law. The inspections will be available at more than 20 locations Saturday…including the Ray Behrens Boat Ramp on Mark Twain Lake, Highway J, in Monroe City, from 8 to 10am…at the Hannibal Riverfront from 8 to 10…and at three locations on the Lake of the Ozarks, from 9 to 11am. National Safe Boating week runs May 20 thru the 26, not coincidentally just before Memorial Day Weekend, which many consider the kickoff of the boating season. For more information on Missouri boating laws or Saturday’s inspections, go to the highway patrol’s website or contact your local Troop Headquarters.
May 16, 2017
VANDALIA HUMAN REMAINS IDENTIFIED
Human remains found in an abandoned Vandalia home earlier this month have been identified as those of Jennifer Lynn Middleton, who had been reported missing. Vandalia Police, the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department, the Highway Patrol and agents from the FBI were involved in the investigation that uncovered Middleton’s remains, which were identified using dental records. The patrol says Middleton had been missing for about two years. The owner of the Vandalia property, John Lue II, is accused of burying Middleton under the home, after she died in 2015. Lue has been charged with abandoning a corpse.
BOONE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED FOR ASSAULT
A Boone County man has been sentenced to 17 years in prison, in connection with a 2016 incident. Charles Simcoe was sentenced for seven years on a domestic assault charge and ten years for assault on a law enforcement officer. Simcoe was accused of attacking a woman at her home in Sturgeon and pointing a gun at an officer, who arrived on the scene.
DRIVER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A driver was seriously injured in a one-vehicle wreck Monday morning in Jefferson County. 34 year old Robert Luecke of House Springs was on MO 30 when he failed to maintain control of his truck and began to slide, ran off the right side of the road, went through a guardrail and struck a tree. He was taken to St. Anthony’s Medical Center with serious injuries.
MOWING SEASON BEGINS ON MISSOURI ROADSIDES FOR MODOT
Pushing the lawn mower back and forth across the yard is a springtime necessity. At the Missouri Department of Transportation, their crews are beginning the mowing season with a main purpose: safety. During May and June, there is a good chance you will see MoDOT crews out mowing on tractor mowers so motorists have a clear, safe line of sight as they cruise along state highways. Major and minor routes will be mowed in three cycles starting in mid-May, mid-July and mid-September. Along with the mowing, crews selectively use herbicides to stunt vegetation growth as well as to control brush and stop the spread of noxious weeds. Wildflowers are an added benefit of not mowing fence-to-fence and careful herbicide usage. On rural two-lane roads, crews may use a protective "follow" truck to alert motorists they are approaching slow-moving mowers.
May 15, 2017
PATCHING OPERATIONS CONTINUE FOR MISSOURI ROUTE 161 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting; Monday thru Thursday, MoDOT crews will have one lane traffic on Missouri Route 161, from Missouri Route 19 to the Pike County line for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7am and 4pm. Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
COLUMBIA SUSPECT KILLED IN SHOOTOUT WITH POLICE
A suspect was shot and killed by police, during an active shooter incident in downtown Columbia Saturday evening. According to a news release from the Highway Patrol, 41 year old Clarence E. Coats, of Columbia, was killed in a shootout with police, just before 8pm Saturday. Officers were called to reports of a gunman walking in the 100 block of Oak Street just before 6:30pm. The suspect fled into a wooded area and was later located on a nearby rooftop, where he exchanged gunfire with police. Coats died from injuries sustained. A Boone County Deputy was treated for minor injuries. The Highway Patrol is conducting the investigation.
MEXICO MAN HURT IN AUDRAIN COUNTY WRECK
A Mexico man was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck early Saturday morning in Audrain County. 24 year old Randy McDonald was on Audrain Road 355 when his car ran off the left side of the road, struck a rock and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of minor injuries.
THREE INJURED, TWO SERIOUSLY IN SUNDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
Three people were injured, two seriously in an accident that occurred at 9pm Sunday in Cooper County. The patrol says that 30 year old Nicholas Arterberry of Boonville was on Route F when he failed to stop at a stop sign and his truck struck a truck driven by 50 year old Terry Luster of Bunceton. Both Terry Luster and his passenger 48 year old Sheryl Luster sustained serious injuries, while Nicholas Arterberry suffered moderate injuries. All three were transported by ambulance to University Hospital for treatment.
May 12, 2017
MAN INJURED IN EARLY FRIDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A Sullivan man was injured in an accident that occurred at 12:50am Friday in Franklin County. 21 year old Darian Buerk was eastbound on I-44 when his vehicle traveled off the left side of the roadway, struck the concrete median wall, returned to the road, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck an embankment. He was taken to Mercy Hospital in Washington for treatment of minor injuries.
COLUMBIA
MAN CONNECTED TO MULTIPLE THEFTS
A Columbia man was arrested in connection with multiple thefts, Wednesday afternoon. Officers located the suspect, Devlin Clark, at a home on Calvert Hill Road. They say Clark attempted to flee the arrest on foot, but was taken into custody. He was wanted on warrants for first-degree tampering, receiving stolen property and resisting arrest. Investigators believe Clark is involved in several thefts in Columbia and Boone County. He is being held on $100,000 dollars bond.
ARREST MADE IN COLUMBIA ‘SHOTS FIRED’ INCIDENT
A suspect has been charged in connection with a Tuesday night ‘shots fired’ incident, which occurred on Edenton Boulevard in Columbia. Tyrell Brown, of Columbia, was arrested and charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action and two counts of second-degree drug trafficking. Police say they found drugs, guns and bullets that matched ones found at the scene of the shots fired incident.
SPRING TURKEY HUNTERS HARVEST OVER 43,300 BIRDS
Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) shows that turkey hunters checked 39,239 birds during Missouri’s 2017 regular spring turkey season April 17 through May 7. Top harvest counties were Franklin with 932 birds checked, Texas with 843, and Callaway with 697. Young turkey hunters’ harvested 4,100 birds during the 2017 spring youth season, April 8-9, bringing the overall 2017 spring turkey harvest to 43,339. The 2017 spring turkey season included two non-fatal hunting incidents. One involved a shooter who mistook another hunter for a turkey and the other was a self-inflicted shooting injury.
May 11, 2017
WOMAN HURT IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY WRECK
A Montgomery City woman was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Wednesday morning in Montgomery County. 24 year old Meghan Blair was on MO 19 when her truck traveled off the right side of the road, she overcorrected, causing it to travel back onto the roadway and off the left side and overturned. She refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
TEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACCIDENT
A Bowling Green teen was seriously injured in an accident that occurred at 6:30pm Wednesday in Pike County. The patrol says that 18 year old Conner Betts was on Pike County Road 292 when his car ran off the roadway and overturned several times. He was taken by Survival Flight to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
TWO ARRESTED AFTER ROBBERY NEAR MU CAMPUS
Two suspects are in custody, in connection with a robbery near the University of Missouri Campus, early Wednesday morning. Columbia Police were called to the 1700 block of University Avenue, where a female victim said three male suspects grabbed her purse as she walked to her car. One of those suspects, 19 year old Jervon Johnson, of Columbia, was caught after a short foot pursuit. The second suspect, 20 year old Jaron Gates, of Columbia, was found with money that matched the amount taken from the victim. Both men face charges of stealing and possession of a controlled substance. A third suspect is still being sought in the case…call Crimestoppers if you have any information.
ONE TREATED, ONE ARRESTED AFTER COLUMBIA ALTERCATION
One Columbia man was treated for injuries and another was arrested on assault charges, after an argument led to an attack with a knife. Columbia Police were called to the 500 block of Jackson Street, where the altercation occurred. The victim said the suspect attacked him with an 18-inch knife, and that he had thrown a hammer in retaliation. The victim was taken to a Columbia hospital for treatment of injuries. The suspect, Anwar Gordon, of Columbia, was arrested for assault, armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Wednesday at approximately 9:02am, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 1900 block of Doss Road in reference to smoke coming from a deck. Responding personnel found a wooden deck burning in the area where a bar-be-que grill was sitting. The fire was extinguished with that portion of the deck suffering significant fire damage. It was determined that the resident had used the grill the night before and some embers apparently fell between the wood on the deck and smoldered throughout the night, igniting as the winds picked up that morning. There were no injuries from the incident and no other damage.
On Wednesday at approximately 2:40pm, the Mexico Public Safety Department responded to the 300 block of E Orange in reference to smoke in a home coming from an unknown source. Responding personnel found a female resident of the home unresponsive due to an unrelated medical condition. It was determined the smoke was from an item left on the stove top unattended and beginning to burn. The male resident of the home stated he was outside when he began hearing the smoke alarms sounding. He entered to find smoke in the house and the female on the couch. He called 9-1-1 and got her outside. The female was taken to SSM Health / St.Mary’s Hospital-Audrain by the Audrain Ambulance District. She was examined and treated for her medical condition and was released.
The Mexico Public Safety Department will be joining other local and state law enforcement agencies in the annual nationwide May / Youth Alcohol Enforcement Crackdown. This, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” substance-impaired campaign runs nationwide from now thru May 15. MPSD will be conducting extra patrols, with enforcement geared at impaired driving during this time of local graduations and the start of summer vacations.
May 10, 2017
MO ROUTE 19 IN WELLSVILLE IS NOW OPEN TO TRAFFIC
Missouri Route 19, at Cedar Street, in Wellsville is now back open to traffic, after closing earlier due to an incident with a power pole.
COLUMBIA
MAN ACCUSED IN FEDERAL DRUG INDICTMENT
A federal indictment, handed down this week in Jefferson City, accuses a Columbia man of possession of meth with intent to distribute. 31 year old Gary Deangelo Warren of Columbia was named in the indictment. He is accused of selling meth to an informant. Officers say they seized a large quantity of meth and a handgun as part of their investigation.
TEEN INJURED IN WARREN COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Wentzville teen was injured in an accident that occurred at around 11pm Tuesday in Warren County. 17 year old Morgan Nicholson was on County Farm Road when she failed to negotiate a curve, traveled off the left side of the roadway and overturned. She was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN HURT IN TUESDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A man from East St. Louis, IL was hurt in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday afternoon in Callaway County. The patrol says that 23 year old Terry Odom was westbound on US 54 when his car ran off the left side of the road, he overcorrected, crossed both lanes of US 54 and overturned, coming to rest on the right side of the road, striking a tree. He sustained minor injuries and was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment.
May 9, 2017
HERMANN WOMAN KILLED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Hermann woman was killed in an accident that occurred at 12:10pm Monday in Montgomery County. 37 year old Misty Scheidegger was on MO 19 when her car crossed the center line and struck a tractor trailer being driven by 24 year old Ryan Huellinghoff of Union head-on. She was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man was not injured.
MAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING WRECK
A man from Lake St. Louis was seriously injured in a two-vehicle wreck early Monday morning in Lincoln County. The patrol says that 33 year old Russell Werle was northbound on US 61 when he apparently fell asleep at the wheel, causing his car to strike the rear of a freightliner driven by 53 year old William Graves of Charleston, TN. Russell Werle was taken by Air Evac to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis with serious injuries.
VANDALIA HUMAN REMAINS INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
The Audrain County Sheriff’s Department continues to work to identify human remains found, over the weekend, in an abandoned Vandalia residence. Authorities say they’re looking to determine whether the remains could be of a missing woman, Jennifer Middleton, who was reported missing last Wednesday, but had not been seen in the Vandalia area since 2015. The owner of the property, John Herman Lue II was arrested Friday night and charged Saturday with abandoning a corpse. Reports indicate the suspect and the missing woman were living together at one point. The investigation continues.
TWO SHOTS FIRED INCIDENTS IN NORTH COLUMBIA
Columbia Police are investigating two shots fired calls, which occurred Monday evening in North Columbia. The first call came in from near Edenton Boulevard and International Drive, at around 5pm. Witnesses reported two suspects firing from a vehicle, with no injuries or property damage reported. The second call was a short time later, near Mexico Gravel Road and Henley Drive. Officers say several shell casings were found at the scene and two lawn care workers said shots were fired at them from a red, newer-model car. No injuries were reported and one vehicle in the area was damaged. Police say they are trying to determine if the two incidents are related. The investigation is ongoing.
May 8, 2017
WORK SCHEDULED FOR I-70 AND MISSOURI ROUTE 161 IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY
Weather permitting; MoDOT crews will be doing work on the following routes in Montgomery County this week.
I 70 westbound - May 8-9, traffic will be reduced to one lane between MM 170 and MM 167.8 while work is completed on Loutre River Bridge. The work will begin on May 8 at 10pm and conclude on May 9 at 7am. There will be a 12 ft. width restriction while the work is completed. The westbound Mineola Truck Parking area will be closed while crews work.
MO 161 - May 9-11, one lane traffic from MO 19 to the Pike County line for patching operations. Work will be completed between 7am and 4pm.
Again, this work is weather dependent and could be rescheduled or delayed.
VANDALIA MAN IN CUSTODY AFTER HUMAN REMAINS FOUND
A Vandalia man is in custody after human remains were found at an abandoned residence owned by him, over the weekend. John Hermann Lue II, of Vandalia, is the property owner. He has been charged with abandonment of a corpse. Authorities say the body had been buried in the building for some time. Officials have indicated it could be the body of Jennifer Middleton, who has been missing for two years. The investigation was conducted by Vandalia Police, the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department and agents from the FBI. Officials say it will take some time to confirm the identity of the remains.
WOMAN HURT IN EARLY MONDAY MORNING CRASH
A Columbia woman was hurt in an early Monday morning crash in Montgomery County. 21 year old Farias De Oliveira Luana was westbound on I-70 when she fell asleep at the wheel, which caused her car to travel off the left side of the road and strike the median cables and then traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned. She was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries.
MAN KILLED IN MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT
A St. Peters man was killed in a motorcycle accident that occurred at 12:45pm Sunday in St. Charles County. The patrol says that 80 year old Anthony Brown was riding his motorcycle on MO 94 when he failed to stop in time for a car driven by 25 year old Christopher Mansfield of Florissant which was stopped in traffic attempting to make a left turn when the motorcycle struck the car in the rear, ejecting Anthony Brown in the process. Brown was taken to Progress West Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later.
Weekend Report- May 6-7, 2017
WELLSVILLE WOMAN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY ACCIDENT
A Wellsville woman was seriously injured in an accident that occurred after 9am Friday in Montgomery County. The patrol says that 22 year old Deborah Parsons was on Highway 19 when her vehicle ran off the right side of the roadway and overturned several times, coming to rest on its wheels. She was transported by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries.
WOMAN HURT IN SATURDAY MORNING CRASH
A Warrenton woman was hurt in a Saturday morning crash in Montgomery County. 64 year old Glinda Cole was a passenger in her husband’s 54 year old Kevin Cole’s truck. They were westbound on I-70 when they were struck from behind by a car driven by 27 year old Gordon King of Wentzville and after impact King lost control of his car, causing it to travel off the right side of the road and hit a ditch. Glinda Cole was taken to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of minor injuries, while Gordon King refused treatment at the scene for minor injuries.
TWO INJURED, ONE SERIOUSLY IN FRIDAY AFTERNOON WRECK
A woman was seriously injured and her passenger a baby boy sustained only minor injuries in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon in Gasconade County. 54 year old Mary York and 1 year old Highland Howard both from Warrensburg were taken to Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur for treatment. The patrol says she was on Route P when her Chevy Trailblazer ran off the right side of the road, traveled back on the roadway and traveled off the right side again, struck a fence, an embankment and overturned.
May 5, 2017
ROADS OPENING BACK UP ACROSS THE AREA
Roads are gradually opening back up across the area after being closed due to flooding this week, including Routes K, J, Y and E in Montgomery County also Route 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County is now open and Eastbound Interstate 44, between Route 100 and I-270, is open to traffic. All interstates in Missouri that were closed due to flooding are now open. I-44 has been underwater from flooding of the Meramec River since early Tuesday morning. The eastbound I-44 exit to Route 141 remains closed. Westbound I-44 opened before Thursday evening rush hour. Westbound I-44 exit to Soccer Park remains closed, as does the westbound I-44 exit to Route 141 in St. Louis County.
TWO DRIVERS HURT IN BOONE COUNTY CRASH
Drivers from Prairie Home and Harrisburg were injured when their cars collided on Highway 124, in Boone County, at around 6:20pm Thursday. The patrol says 18 year old Caleb Johnson, of Prairie Home, was traveling too fast for conditions and his car struck a patch of sand in the roadway and skidded into an oncoming car, driven by 60 year old Patricia Cahill, of Harrisburg. Johnson suffered moderate injuries and Cahill was treated for minor injuries. Both were taken to University Hospital in Columbia.
WOMAN INJURED IN THURSDAY MORNING WRECK
A woman from Lake St. Louis was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Thursday morning in St. Charles County. 40 year old Candace Thompson was eastbound on Highway 40 when her vehicle slid on the wet pavement and traveled off the left side of the road into the median. She was transported by ambulance to Progress West Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
May 4, 2017
WESTBOUND I-44 OPEN IN ST. LOUIS
More than 220 roads remain closed across the state. The westbound direction of Interstate 44 from I-270 to Route 100 in St. Louis/Franklin counties is open to traffic by evening rush today. The eastbound direction of I-44 remains closed and there is no estimate on its reopening. Interstate 55 in St. Louis opened to traffic this morning. The eastbound I-44 traffic will continue to be detoured at Route 100 in Franklin County for 25 miles to I-270 in St. Louis. The detour is taking up to two hours at peak times. Please use Interstate 70 between St. Louis and Kansas City and then use Interstate 435 to Interstate 49 to Joplin to reconnect to Interstate 44. All work zones have been suspended on I-70 to allow for optimal traffic flow. Route 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County is expected to open sometime tonight.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE K CLOSED DUE TO HIGH WATER
Montgomery County Route K is now closed west of Missouri Route 19 due to flooding. Motorists will need to use alternate routes.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY ROUTE E CLOSED AT CUIVRE RIVER
Montgomery County Route E is now closed at Cuivre River, located between Montgomery County Route CC and Montgomery County Route O, due to flooding. Motorists will need to use alternate routes.
SOUTHBOUND I-55 NOW OPEN OVER MERAMEC RIVER
All lanes of southbound Interstate 55 in Arnold are open to traffic between St. Louis and Jefferson counties. The Meramec River crested early Thursday morning and MoDOT crews began opening lanes as the water receded. Northbound I-55 remained open Wednesday during the flooding of the southbound lanes.
CLOSED: MO 94 AT DUTZOW
Additional rainfall and the rising Missouri River has caused the flooding of MO 94 between the Washington Bridge and Dutzow. MO 94 is now closed at Dutzow and there is no northern route out of the City of Washington.
BOONE COUNTY INMATE CHARGED IN JAIL ATTACK
An inmate at the Boone County Jail has been charged with assault, in connection with allegations he attacked another inmate this week. A probable cause statement says 24 year old Darian Carter is charged with misdemeanor assault, after the Boone County Sheriff’s Office responded to the jail for a disturbance between three inmates Monday afternoon. The victim suffered minor injuries in the attack. Carter was being held in the Boone County Jail on an unrelated assault charge.
May 3, 2017
I-44 AT HAZELGREEN BACK OPEN TO TRAFFIC
Repairs to flood-damaged Interstate 44 at Hazelgreen in Laclede County are complete, and the interstate is back open to traffic at that location. Motorists can now travel I-44 across southern and mid-Missouri, but the interstate is still closed for 25 miles in St. Louis from Route 100 to Interstate 270. Motorists wishing to travel across Missouri should take Interstate 49 at Joplin north to Interstate 470 in Kansas City to connect to I-70 and then east to St. Louis. Route 50 at Mt. Sterling in Gasconade County and Route 63 at Vienna in Maries County are still under water and are not expected to open until later this week. Route 50 is also closed in Franklin County, and Route 47 is expected to close in Warren County.
TEEN INJURED IN LINCOLN COUNTY WRECK
An Eolia teen was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Tuesday night in Lincoln County. 16 year old Nicholas Stone was on Route W when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway and overturned down an embankment. He was transported by ambulance to St. Joseph West Hospital in Lake St. Louis for treatment of moderate injuries.
MEXICO
MAN FACES DRUG CHARGES
A Mexico man faced drug charges after, police say, he was found with materials for a meth lab in his vehicle. It occurred during a traffic stop on Monday. Authorities say Johnnie L. Schultz, of Mexico, was eastbound on Highway 54 when a patrol trooper attempted to stop him. The trooper says Schultz slowed down on the shoulder and tried to throw a container out of the passenger side of the vehicle. He was arrested for traffic violations, along with felony manufacturing a controlled substance, possession of anhydrous ammonia in a non-approved container and possession of meth precursors.
EARLY MORNING COLUMBIA SHOTS FIRED REPORT
Columbia Police responded to reports of shots fired in the 2900 block of Northland Drive, early this (Wed) morning. Officers say they found shell casings at the scene, but there were no injuries or arrests reported.
COLUMBIA WOMAN HURT IN ROUNDABOUT COLLISION
A Columbia woman was treated for moderate injuries after a car skidded off a roundabout and struck her vehicle head-on, early Tuesday morning. 49 year old Esther Atiah, of Columbia, was treated at University Hospital after the accident, which occurred at around 6:30am. The patrol says a westbound car, driven by 30 year old Randall Robins of Columbia, skidded on a roundabout on St. Charles Road. His car crossed the separator and struck Atiah’s eastbound vehicle head-on. Robins was not hurt.
May 2, 2017
MAN INJURED IN EARLY TUESDAY MORNING ACCIDENT
A man was injured in an accident that occurred after 1:30am Tuesday in Jefferson County. 23 year old Matthew Hebron of Arnold was on Vogel Road when his car traveled off the right side of the road, went down an embankment and overturned. He was taken to St. Anthony’s Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
MAJOR ROAD CLOSURES CONTINUE IN PARTS OF MISSOURI
High water from the weekend’s heavy rains continue to severely impact travel in parts of eastern and southern Missouri. MoDOT says there are still more than 300 roads closed across the state, including a number of major highways. Interstate 44 remains closed between Rolla and Lebanon and is not expected to reopen until mid to late week. I-44 in St. Louis County closed Monday afternoon, due to high water, and will likely remain closed for the rest of the week as well. Other major highway closures that are ongoing include Highway 63 near Vienna, between Rolla and Jefferson City, Highway 50 at Mount Sterling in Gasconade County, Routes 30, 21, 109 and 141 in St. Louis County also remain closed.
NEW ROUTE PROPOSED FOR MARK TWAIN TRANSMISSION LINE
The much-debated Mark Twain Transmission line project may soon have new life and a new route for the high-power transmission lines. Thanks to a lack of support from property owners and county officials on the original route from Palmyra to Kirksville and north to the Iowa border, that route was scrapped. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois and Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative have announced a new plan to use rights of way from existing transmission lines for about 90 percent of the new route. Despite the existing right of ways, the new plan will still require approval to connect the lines to new and existing substations in both Kirksville and Palmyra.
MODOT GRANTS WEIGHT ALLOWANCE FOR TRUCKLOADS OF AGGREGATE USED IN FLOOD RELIEF
In response to flooding and the state of emergency declared over the weekend, the Missouri Department of Transportation will allow heavier than normal truckloads of rock, sand and gravel to travel on Missouri highways. The allowance will help get flood-fighting supplies to communities and expedite needed repairs of roads, levees, railroads, etc. While the waiver is in effect, private and for-hire motor carriers may carry up to 10 percent more than their licensed weight on Missouri highways. The waiver will remain in effect through May 31.
May 1, 2017
COLUMBIA WOMAN ARRESTED ON ST. LOUIS MURDER CHARGE
A Columbia woman, who was wanted in connection with a St. Louis area homicide investigation, was arrested in mid-Missouri Friday night. Columbia Police received information on the whereabouts of Emily Paul, who St. Louis authorities say is the girlfriend of a suspect, who is accused of smothering his three-month old child earlier this month. Friday evening, Paul was arrested a Green Meadows and Providence Road, on a warrant for first-degree murder. She was held in the Boone County jail, over the weekend, awaiting extradition to St. Louis.
COLUMBIA ARMED ROBBERY AT CHECK INTO CASH
Columbia Police are investigating a Saturday afternoon armed robbery at ‘Check into Cash’ in Columbia. Officers were called to the scene at around 12:30pm. They say an armed suspect entered the business and demanded money from an employee. He then ran from the business with an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured in the incident. The suspect is described as a black middle-aged male, about 5-11 with a medium build. Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers at 573-875-TIPS.
MAN INJURED IN SUNDAY MORNING WRECK
A Columbia man was injured in a one-vehicle wreck Sunday morning in Boone County. 49 year old Jack Beard was on Route VV when his truck traveled off the right side of the roadway, struck a metal culvert and overturned. He was taken to University Hospital in Columbia for treatment of moderate injuries.
FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASHES AT A RECORD HIGH
Since 2012, the number of fatal motorcycle crashes has resulted in 475 deaths – 122 of those deaths occurred last year alone. Motorcyclists have already begun hitting the road this spring, and more will be out soon with beautiful May weather just around the corner. The Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety wants to remind all motorists to “Watch for Motorcycles” in hopes of preventing motorcycle crashes, injuries and deaths on Missouri roadways.
MEXICO PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT NEWS
On Saturday Mexico Public Safety temporarily closed several roadways or narrowed traffic to one lane on several roadways, due to water from the continuous, heavy rains. A resident had a car stall in the water running across the 2100 block of Fairground and the vehicle was towed from the scene. That section of Fairground was closed from about 3:20pm to 5:00pm. MODOT crews responded to the 1500 block of E. Liberty and managed to pump enough water to keep the roadway open at that location. Pollock Road, between Crestview and Platte, was closed from about 6:40pm on Saturday until about 7am on Monday. There have been no injuries due to flooded roadways.
Citizens are reminded to obey road closings, and not to drive through water running across a roadway. Six inches of water reaches the bottoms of most vehicles, which can lead to stalling or loss of control. Twelve inches of water can make most vehicles float. Even if you are familiar with a roadway and water does not appear very deep, you cannot tell if the road has washed away or become damaged from the water and you cannot tell if debris has floated into the road.
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